Fight or Flight

• What is a fight or flight response?

  A sequence of activity within the body that is triggered when the body prepares itself for running away or fighting
• what are the stages of fight of flight?

  individual experiences a stressor, amygdala is activated and sends a distress signal to hypothalamus, hypothalamus activates the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, the SNS stimulates the adrenal medulla to release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream, this produces physiological changes that prepare the body = fight or flight response, parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state.
• effects of adrenaline

  direct = increased heart rate, sweating, diversion from digestive system

  general = prepare body for action, increased blood supply, increased oxygen to brain
• What activates the HPA axis after adrenaline subsides?

  The hypothalamus
• What does the HPA axis consist of?

  The hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands
• What hormone does the pituitary gland release to target the adrenal glands?

  ATCH
• What is the role of cortisol in the stress response?

  It prepares the body for fight or flight
• What chemical messenger does the hypothalamus release?

  Corticotrophin releasing hormone
• What is the aim of the stress response?

  To provide energy for an extended period
• How does the stress response transmit signals?

  Through hormones
• What are the limitations of the fight or flight response?

  • Does not account for the 'freeze' response
  • Ignores gender differences in stress responses
  • Outdated for modern stressors
  • Fails to consider social connections in stress
• What initial response do some psychologists suggest humans have to danger?

  A 'freeze' response
• Who suggested that the first response to danger is to avoid confrontation?

  Gray (1988)
• What happens during the freeze response?

  Individuals are hyper-vigilant and appraise the situation
• What is the 'tend and befriend' response?

  A female response to protect offspring and form alliances
• According to Taylor et al. (2000), what do women do in stressful situations?

  Protect their offspring and form alliances
• Why might running be seen as a sign of weakness for women?

  It could put their offspring at risk
• What is a limitation of the fight or flight response in modern life?

  It can negatively affect health
• What can repeated activation of the sympathetic nervous system lead to?

  Increased blood pressure and heart disease
• What does the fight or flight response fail to account for in group situations?

  The idea of connection among people
• What did Von Donwans et al. (2012) find about stress and cooperation?

  High stress leads to greater cooperation
• How did people respond to the stress of the 9/11 attacks?

  They came together to support each other
• What does human nature drive us to do in times of distress?

  Support and remain social